"Oh, well, it’s a good long time till then," Flossie returned coldly. "And really, Ma, I do think it’s ungrateful of you to make such a fuss, when things might be so different. Just supposing, now, May and I weren’t married; you might grumble then." "I ’aven’t as much," Mrs. Stubbs cried, "to bring up five children on as you and May each ’ave to dress on." "Perhaps not; but then, we have to go into a great deal of society; and look what that costs," Flossie retorted. "Any way, Mr. Jones is too much disgusted at all this happening just now to let me help you. And as for my allowance, I have to pay my maid out of it, so I really don’t see that you can expect me to do anything for you." "I don’t think Auntie wants you to do anything for her; I’m sure she doesn’t expect it," put in Sarah, who was so utterly disgusted that she could keep silence no longer, though she had determined not to speak at all. "Well, Sarah, I really can’t see what occasion there is for you to put your word in," said Mrs. Jones, with an air of dignity. "We have heard a great deal about what you were going to do; perhaps now you will do it, and let us see whether the princess is going to turn out a real princess after all or not." For a moment Sarah looked at her with such utter disdain in her grey eyes that the redoubtable Flossie fairly quailed beneath her gaze. "I am going always to treat my dear aunt with the respect and love she deserves, Flossie," she said gravely; "and, even if I prove an utter failure in every other way, you might still take a lesson from me with great improvement to yourself." "Oh, you think so, do you?" sneered Flossie. "Yes, I do," said Sarah promptly. "Then let me tell you, Miss Sarah Gray, that I think your tone and manner exceedingly impertinent and familiar. In future, call me Mrs. Jones, if you please, and try if you can remember to keep your place." "Mrs. Jones, I will; and do you remember to keep yours," Sarah replied; "and do you remember, too, that you need not insult my aunt any further." "I shall speak as I like to my own mother," Flossie cried furiously. Sarah opened her eyes wide. "If I do put you out of the house, Mrs. Jones," she said, speaking with ominous calmness, "I may be a little rough with you." And then the door opened, and May came languidly in. "What _is_ the matter?" she cried. "Flossie, is that you--at it again? Do go away, please. I am not well. I came to have a little talk to Ma, and I can’t bear quarrelling. Do go away, Flossie, I beg." "That Sarah has insulted me," Flossie gasped--but May was remarkably unsympathetic. "Oh, I’ve no doubt--a very good thing, too, for you’ve insulted her ever since you first saw her. Do go away. I’m sure I shall faint. I never could bear wrangling and fighting; and poor Pa’s going off like that has upset me so--I just feel as if I could burst out crying if any one speaks to me."